According to reports, FIFA has agreed to postpone the deadline for Premier League clubs to release players for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) by one week, until December 15th.
This is a major boost for teams facing a congested schedule during the Christmas period. The adjustment means Sunderland’s seven key players can feature in the Tyne-Wear Derby against Newcastle United on December 14th, Liverpool can retain Mohamed Salah for their match against Brighton, and Manchester United’s Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo, Noussair Mazraoui and others are also expected to play against Bournemouth.
The tournament, hosted in Morocco, will kick off on December 21st, with around 45 Premier League players set to be away on international duty. Sunderland are the most affected club with seven players called up, while bottom-placed Wolves will also lose five squad members.
If their national teams reach the final on January 18th, the players could miss up to eight matches, as well as an FA Cup third-round tie.
In contrast, Arsenal, Chelsea, Leeds United and Newcastle United have no players involved in this year’s AFCON.
